Govt. Court Clerk (Closes 3/16/2026)

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Court Clerk performs clerical duties related to cashiering, small claims, landlord-tenant, general civil, criminal, traffic and other administrative proceedings in the Tribal Court. The Court Clerk has the care, custody, and control of all cases files, and shall, maintain records of all proceedings in the Tribal Court. The position also performs cashiering and secures information for judges, makes contact with witnesses, attorneys and litigants, in coordinating courtroom appearances.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Official record keeper and custodian of all court case files, records, seals, books, and documents pertaining to the Clerk's office.
• Manages and maintains Register of Actions for all case files; examines pleadings for authenticity and provides certification of court orders.
• Completes standard court forms.
• Maintains the Court’s docketing system.
• Formulates civil and criminal summonses, a plea by mail, bench warrants, and proofs of service and ensures compliance with Tribal codes and court rules.
• Enters case dispositions, court orders, and fines in the case management system, and for entry into LEIN or NCIC.
• Provides assistance to and directs legal counsel and litigants about the timing of court appearances and explains procedures and forms to the general public.
• Responds to inquiries regarding outstanding warrants, summonses, and payments of fines/costs; searches case files to obtain information and directs accordingly.
• Directs counsel and litigants to information and appropriate agencies/departments for adherence to laws and court orders.
• Entry and removal of bench warrants into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

• Administers payments system for receipt fines/costs/bond/restitution and tracks the same, audits case files for compliance with timelines and judgments.
• Manages jury system; devises accurate techniques for forecasting the number of jurors needed, automating jury records.
• Administers the election filing and distribution process for the BOD pursuant to Tribal Code Chapter 10. –biennial.
• Maintains forgiveness/partial waiver program pursuant to Tribal Code Chapter 76.
• All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS:

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, customers, Executives, Board of Directors, and outside vendor/service providers.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Position sedentary primarily sitting/lifting a maximum of 10 pounds. Physical factors include constant sitting, use of hearing, near/midrange/far vision, depth perception, color/field vision, driving, typing; frequent standing, walking, reaching, bending and occasional carrying/lifting, pushing/pulling, stooping, kneeling, manual handling and use of smell. Working conditions include occasional exposure to extreme weather, hot/cold, wet/humidity, noise, and air quality. Potential hazards include constant computer use and occasional exposure to electric shock, chemicals, insecticides/pesticides, and client contact.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: High School diploma or equivalent required. Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Paralegal degree, or related field preferred. Must be able to be certified through the (CJIS).

Experience: Minimum of three years of experience working in legal, court, or corrections office required.

Certification/License: Tribal Court Clerk Certification to be achieved within one-year of hire. Notary Public required within six months of hire. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Must maintain a good moral character standing. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with the Sault Tribe’s Drug-Free Workplace Policy which may include random drug tests.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Must be able to understand and follow oral and written instructions and convey information effectively. Must be able to work independently and to set priorities to meet deadlines. Must possess good organizational, filing, verbal and writing skills. Must possess attention to detail in accuracy in work performance, be computer literate, including the ability to use Microsoft Office, BIS recording software and FullCourt case management system. Must possess the ability to use sound judgment within established procedural guidelines. Knowledge of Tribal law/code of government legal codes and terminology, court procedure, precedents, regulations, court rules, executive orders, and political process required. Knowledge of clerical administrative procedures, word processing, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology required. Coordination of people and resources required. Must have knowledge of the customer and personal service principles and processes. Knowledge of the English language to interpret and understanding work-related documents, ability to actively listen to clients, and social perceptiveness. Must be able to critically think using logic and reasoning. Must maintain confidentiality. Native American preferred.

This job description outlines the general scope and level of responsibilities associated with the position. It is not intended to be an employment contract, nor does it represent a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or requirements. The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians reserves the right to modify, add, reassign, or combine job duties or positions, in whole or in part, at any time.

Governmental/Enterprise Sault Tribe Human Resource Department

531 Ashmun St.

Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783

(906) 635-4937

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